Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) continues to “rapidly intensify”, which prompted the state weather bureau to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) over more parts of the country Friday afternoon.

Wind signals have been raised in more areas as Typhoon Pepito rapidly intensifies, according to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. cyclone bulletin.

Ofel was last located 205 kilometers west-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, moving north-northwestward at 15 kph. The cyclone is also carrying maximum sustained winds of 100 kph and gusts of up to 125 kph.

Typhoon "Pepito" is forecast to rapidly intensify until tomorrow, possibly reaching super typhoon category before its landfall on Saturday evening or

Severe Tropical Storm Ofel (international name: Usagi) left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), according to the country’s weather agency. READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Pepito In its 5 p.m. bulletin,

Seven areas in Luzon and in the Visayas have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 as Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-Yi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday evening,